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Dear saints,
At a lunch this week with a group of men from All Saints', the topic of the ongoing and heartbreaking conflict in Gaza came up. Some of us around that table had been to Israel ourselves, yet the Israel we saw was very different from the corner of that state we see on the news each day. It was hard for us to imagine.
As we talked, we tried to consider what it might be like to struggle to sustain a family in such circumstances. What is it that goes through the minds of the people on both sides of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Later in the week I heard a spokesperson from UNICEF being interviewed on the radio about the deaths of so many children in Israel and Gaza. He talked about a whole generation living with trauma. How can any of us begin to imagine what that must be like?
It will seem like we live in a wholly other world when this Sunday morning the children of our parish will put on costumes and join the merry cast of characters who make up our annual (non-anxious) early Christmas pageant, telling another story from that very same land. For some people, the world is beset with anxiety; for others, at least for an hour on a Sunday at church, the world is a worry-free place. How can that be so?
Perhaps it seems frivolous to do such things at a time like this. Perhaps it is a form of escapism, a diversion from the world's real state. Yet, might there just be a value in putting on costumes and imagining for a while? For our children on Sunday, it will be about entering the story and planting the idea that says that all people have the chance to become part of the ongoing drama of God’s love for the world. For any of us, to imagine is to take the first step toward an empathic life. Such a life might be what we need to envision a world beyond loss and conflict, one where people learn to see one another as God sees us all—as wholly worthy of love.
All good theology is an act of imagination. As we prepare our hearts for the light that still shines in the darkness, I urge you to exercise your imagination as a tool intended for the building of God’s kingdom of justice and love. Imagine a world where enmity and violence are not the first order of business. Imagine a world where we seek to understand before we seek to condemn. Imagine a world where children everywhere are free from fear enough to imagine for themselves.
We have to see beyond the current horizon. Faith always asks that of us: "... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It is hard for us to imagine, and it is vital that we do.
Keep the faith.
Peace,
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The Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 17, Church
- 8:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Traditional Language, No Music)
- 9:00 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 11:15 a.m. (Contemporary Language, Choral Music)
- 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary Language, Contemplative Music)
NOTE: Overflow parking is available at Bank of America. Please request validation tickets from an usher upon arrival or exit in the Narthex.
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Christmas Pageant and Cookie Reception
Sunday, December 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., the Church and Ellis Hall
Come hear the Christmas Story as told and imagined by the Children of All Saints at the “Come As You Are” Christmas Pageant. Meet on the second floor of the Pritchett Center at 8:30 a.m. borrow a costume to wear and then head over to the church for the service. Following the service, we will enjoy a Cookie Reception in Ellis Hall.
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Sunday Callers’ Poinsettia Delivery
Sunday, December 17, 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Chapel
We invite you to help deliver seasonal flowers. If you would like to volunteer, please email, call or text Pat Robinson at probinson999@gmail.com or 404-395-5793. You will be able to pick them up in the chapel after the 9:00 a.m. or the 11:15 a.m. services on December 17.
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Christmas with Coro Vocati
Sunday, December 17, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Church
Coro Vocati returns this December for "Christmas with Coro Vocati," a program of beloved music to celebrate the season. A long-standing tradition at All Saints, this annual concert features traditional carols, modern arrangements, and standards of choral repertoire. There is something for everyone—even a chance to sing along! For tickets, click this link or purchase at the door!
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The Giving Tree
Now through Sunday, December 17, Ellis Hall
Thank you for selecting a gift for The Giving Tree! Take a leaf from the tree or e-mail Director of Refugee Ministries Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive an Amazon link. In-person gifts are due to Ellis Hall wrapped and with leaf firmly attached by Sunday, December 10 except Emmaus House which is due Sunday, December 17.
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Everyday Connections
Sunday, December 17, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 305
The proclamation of the Gospel during worship is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between the text and those who hear it. The homily is a first response that begins, but does not end, this divine conversation. The “Everyday Connections” class provides a continual opportunity for participants to add their voice to the conversation by exploring the significance of the week’s Gospel reading for our everyday lives. To participate in this class via Zoom, please visit allsaintsatlanta.org/links and enter password “AdultFormation2023”.
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Jesus on the Front Page
Sundays, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Parish Hall 307
Join this ongoing discussion of the news of the day and how we are called as Christians to respond in the public arena, in our private lives, and in our prayers.
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The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner
Sundays at 5:00 p.m., In the Chapel and Ellis Hall
Before your busy week begins, the Welcome Table is a place to join with others and find rest and refreshment. Come to the Welcome Table: a service of music (song and solo instrument), prayer (together and in ways that speak to us individually), and communion. A community dinner for all participants follows the service.
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Christmas Eve Service Times*
Sunday, December 24, Church
- 8:00 a.m. The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Communion, Traditional Language, No Music)
- 9:00 a.m. The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Communion, Contemporary Language, Adult Choir)
- 1:00 p.m. A Service of Lessons and Carols (No Communion)
- 3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Children's Choirs (No Communion)
- 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Youth Choirs (Communion)
- 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Adult Choir (Communion)**
- 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship with Adult Choir (Communion)**
*NOTE: There is no "The Welcome Table" service on Christmas Eve.
**NOTE: A musical prelude for these services begins at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
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Christmas Day Service Time
Monday, December 25, Church
- 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day (Communion, Contemporary Language, Adult Choir)
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New Year's Eve Service Times
Sunday, December 31, Church
- 8:00 a.m. The First Sunday after Christmas (Traditional Language, No Music)
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10:00 a.m. The First Sunday after Christmas (Communion, Contemporary Language, Adult Choir)
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As we enjoy the season of Advent, we paused to celebrate the ministry of Threads, our boutique children’s clothing closet. Threads receives donations of new and gently used clothing and volunteers also purchase select items as required by clients in need.
On Sunday, December 10, our new Director, Marcia Mayfield, shared during the 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. services and a forum in Ellis Hall about herself, the wonderful work going on in the Threads shop and some stories of the children in need that Threads supports.
We also celebrated the light of the season this past Sunday with an illuminating sermon from the Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, about waiting on God's timing built around a personal story about her experience putting up Christmas lights with family at home.
Our community looks forward to you joining us for upcoming services and events throughout the holiday season! For more on our events in our parish and services throughout the year, please visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/calendar!
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2024 Annual Canvass:
Generous Hearts, Open Doors
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Remember to Pledge!
As we move through Advent, give to All Saints’ with a glad heart!
Please offer your pledge and remember: all the world belongs to God.
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Online: allsaintsatlanta.org/give/
- Mail a check made out to All Saints’ Episcopal Church at 634 W. Peachtree St.. Atlanta, GA 30308
- Put cash in the offering plate on Sundays.
- Try text to give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256
- Give through appreciated stock:
Our Charles Schwab account is “All Saints’ Episcopal Church”
Account #: 1084-6679
DTC #: 0164 Code: 40
Stock gifts do NOT come with the donor name included so remember to contact Betsey Gibbs
bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org, and let her know the stock gift is coming.
Year End Giving
There is still time to make a gift, pledge payment or stock transfer.
To be counted as a 2023 gift for tax purposes, we must have your gift by noon on Friday Dec. 29, 2023 or postmarked by Dec. 30, 2023. Thanks for your support of All Saints’!
Pledge Envelopes
Few parishioners use pledge envelopes these days.
Therefore, we have made the decision not to order them this year.
Thanks for understanding.
Ellen Hayes, Dir. of Development, ehayes@allsaintsatlanta.org
Visit us online at allsaintsatlanta.org/give
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Elena and Briley Brisendine, Susan and Frank Virgin
2024 Annual Canvass Chairs
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To make an Offering today or pay your pledge,
click the Give Now button above.
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Novel Theology >> Meets one Wednesday a month on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m.. Click the link above to learn more and register.
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Outdoor Christmas Caroling
Wednesday, December 20, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Meet in the Courtyard
Join us as we bring Christmas cheer to our neighbors. We'll share Christmas carols, then celebrate with hot chocolate and cookies.
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Sounds of Freedom: Honoring the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Church
We honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a jazz/gospel ensemble at our 9:00 a.m. worship service led by The Rev. Dr. Andrew Barnett and guest preacher Dr. Joel B. Kemp at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The 11:15 a.m. service will feature music led by the choir and organ. Then at 2:30 p.m., join us for a joyful jazz / gospel concert: Sounds of Freedom - Honoring the Legacy of Martin Luther King. This concert will be hosted by Tony McNeil.
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The Journey Bible Study
Mondays in fall at 11:00 a.m.
This Bible study is led by The Rev. Karen Evans, our Priest Associate for Pastoral Care. During meetings, participants study one book of the Bible in detail, looking at its context, meaning and application to our lives. We are currently studying the Gospel according to Luke. The only requirements are a Bible and a willingness to learn. Register at bit.ly/thejourney-ASEC. The Zoom link will be sent to you following registration.
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All Saints' CONNECTS: Advent Spiritual Conversations
Now through Monday, December 25
All Saints’ Connects is our small group ministry for spiritual conversation. The Advent groups will run through the last week of Advent. It's not too late to join! Our small groups meet weekly for one hour by zoom. To sign up for a group, contact Jilli Robertson at jilli.ff.robertson@gmail.com.
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Walking the Mourners Path – Session Begins in January 2024
Walking the Mourners Path, an eight-week program for those who have had someone dear to them die, begins in the new year. It is designed to teach participants about grief and to help them move into more joyful and purposeful living following loss. The groups are small and confidential; we welcome your participation. If you have any questions, please direct them to Priest Associate Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Contemplative Prayer
Wednesdays in winter and spring, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Parish Hall 202
Join fellow parishioners for contemplative prayer after Wednesday Night Supper. As Richard Rohr says, “In contemplation—the practice of being fully present in mind, body, and spirit—we join in deep solidarity with other spiritual traditions in working toward the healing and restoration of ourselves and our world.” Participants read aloud from and discuss contemplative writers in the first half hour, then practice silent centering prayer in the second half hour.
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Why Can’t the Church Be More Like an AA Meeting? with Dr. Stephen Haynes
Sunday, January 7, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join Rhodes College Professor of Religious Studies as he reflects on how the guiding principles of Twelve-Step recovery could transform congregations into places of genuine vulnerability and radical hospitality. Dr. Haynes will draw from his most recent book, which combines history, biblical and theological reflection, social analysis, and his own lived experience in recovery.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Forum
Sunday, January 14, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall
Join our guest preacher-speaker, Dr. Joel B Kemp, and Rev. Natosha Reid Rice for a conversation on race, religion, and the law. An attorney and minister, Dr. Kemp is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Candler School of Theology.
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Adult Inquirers Class – Winter 2023
Wednesdays in winter, beginning January 17
Adult Inquirer’s Class is a four-part introduction to the life of faith at All Saints’. Meetings are on Wednesday nights, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The first three meetings are on Zoom with the final session in person over dinner at the church. Participants are asked to commit to all four sessions. Additional Adult Inquirers classes will be held later in the winter and spring. For more details contact our Rector, the Rev. Dr. Simon Mainwaring (smainwaring@allsaintsatlanta.org) or Tracey Sage (tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org).
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School of the Spirit: Making Sense of the Old Testament
Wednesdays in Fall, Winter and Spring, 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Parish Hall 305/306 and on Zoom
Join Ryan Bonfiglio for a twelve-week course that not only examines the contents of the Old Testament, but also its significance today. The course is 12 weeks and those weeks are broken into three blocks: Remaining sessions will be held on January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 | April 10, 17, 24 and May 1. Registration is still available! Visit us online at bit.ly/allsaints-ot
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Come Ye Apart and Rest Awhile: All Saints' Women's Advent Retreat 2023
Saturday, December 16, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Church
The Multigenerational Women's Community invites you to a time of rest and reflection. We will gather in the church chapel for a candlelit Taizé and contemplative prayer service before heading over to Ellis Hall for a series of restorative activities. These will include labyrinth-walking, journaling, and spiritual coloring, as well as stations for chair massage, healing prayer and even mats for resting! We will end the evening with gingerbread and wassail before sending you off with grounding stones into the whirlwind of the holiday season. Let us take time together to be silent and to ponder the meaning of Advent. And please bring a friend!
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Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday, January 10, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Enjoy an evening meal in community followed by a casual worship service and communion. The cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children and youth and college students. You may register here (bit.ly/ASEC-WNS1) and pay online or pay at the door.
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Join the Habitat Build in the New Year
Starting on January 20, All Saints' will build a home partnering with Habitat for Humanity. We invite you to be part of that effort by signing up HERE for one or more of the build days or you can sign up at the Habitat Build table in the courtyard on Sundays. Please find out more from build co-chairs, Jack and Clifton Askew-Norton: askew.nortons@gmail.com.
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Weekly Children & Youth Formation
Nursery/Little Saints: Birth-Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 1st floor of the Pritchett Center
Children’s Church: K-5th grade, 8:40 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center
Children Formation: K-5th grade, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., 2nd floor of the Pritchett Center
Youth Formation: 6th-12th grade, 10:20 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., The Attic (3rd floor of the Pritchett Center)
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Epiphany Bonfire
Sunday, January 7, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Off-Site
Youth are invited to an Epiphany bonfire at the Frilingos’s home (address in Realm) to celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Dinner will be provided. SNL is back in the Attic on January 14.
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Sunday Night Live (SNL)
Sunday, January 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., The Attic
All youth in grades 6th-12th are invited to join us for dinner, fellowship, and fun as we gather for Sunday Night Live, our traditional youth program! We gather at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and end at 7:30pm.
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Young Adult Fellowship Online!
Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship, and service? Reach out to Tasia Blair at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive our monthly newsletter, get added to the WhatsApp group chat and find out what events we have coming up!
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Threads Clothing Needs
Threads has created an Amazon Wish List to make your shopping easier. Threads has been averaging 60 children per week. To help us replenish click on this link below to start shopping. Thank you in advance!
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Threads Welcomes Families for Shopping
Threads welcomes families for in-store shopping Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Interested in volunteering? Contact Marcia Mayfield at threads@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Refugee Ministries’ Annual Christmas Party
Saturday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The Attic
Volunteers are needed to host games or help with food or transportation for our annual Refugee Ministries Christmas party for around 100 people from the Middle East, East and Central Africa, Latin America, Burma and Nepal. Come help spread the joy of the season. To participate, please e-mail Director of Refugee Ministries Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org
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The Giving Tree and Annual FOCUS Christmas Party
Saturday, December 16, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Ellis Hall
Volunteers are needed to help set up snacks and gifts and provide welcome for our annual FOCUS Christmas party. FOCUS serves thousands of medically fragile children in the Atlanta area. Our Giving Tree hosts 40 families who receive their gifts and have time with Santa in Ellis. To participate, please e-mail Director of Refugee Ministries Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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Food Fund Donations
Now through Monday, December 25
All year long Refugee Ministries provides emergency food to families through our Christmas fund. To donate please go to www.allsaintsatlanta.org and choose the Give Tab. Scroll down to credit card. Designate Refugee Ministries in fund and write food in memo. We are delighted to provide a tax letter upon request. For more information, e-mail Director of Refugee Ministries Louisa Merchant at louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org
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Respite Care Atlanta
Respite Care Atlanta is a daycare for people with dementia. The program is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday at 2nd Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Buckhead. This is a very flexible fun-filled volunteer opportunity! The next information session will be January 8. Contact Susan Virgin at sdv20@bellsouth.net.
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Read The Faith and Justice Collaborative's December Newsletter
The new Faith & Justice Collaborative has launched as part of the mission of Adult Formation. Comprised of All Saints’ ministries committed to serving others as part of our Baptismal Covenant, the Collective provides information about initiatives, people, and educational opportunities in the parish and in our city. The December issue includes:
- Mary Margaret Oliver Receives Award
- Reflections from Visit to Arrendale State Prison
- All Saints' Habitat Build 2024
- School of the Spirit Features MLK's Final Book
Click here for the December newsletter
Click here to sign up for monthly issues of newsletter
| | | Click the image above to view our "thank yous" to parishioners from various staff members. We appreciate the ways you serve our parish community! | | |
Photo Sharing at All Saints’
The Communications Team invites you to submit photographs of All Saints’ events via e-mail for inclusion in forthcoming publications, newsletters, monitor feeds and on social media accounts. If you have content to share, please send photographs via e-mail to communications@allsaintsatlanta.org in .JPG or .PNG formats.
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Connect with us on Realm!
Learn more >> Don't forget to join Realm, our new platform for online giving, directory, and event registration.
Questions? Please contact Betsey Gibbs at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.
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